I know I’ve played games that are kind of like this before, but not quite. I know I’ve dragged a finger along three-plus matching shapes before, except I’ve never actually done it in such a manner. So while BraveSmart is a relatively familiar concept, it’s also totally unique. And it’s pretty freaking sweet.

BraveSmart is all about resource management and building construction. In puzzle form. Little Scottish gentlemen roam across the board leaving various elements behind (such as wood or stone) depending on their clan. Players then have to link-up three or more matching (and touching) elements in order to craft houses and cottages and the like, so that they can combine three or more of the same structure into a larger structure. Each level has a set number of buildings that must be constructed in order to pass, along with a host of obstacles to make it as difficult as possible. That’s not a complaint.

The little Scottish clansmen wander around seemingly at random, so no matter how many times a level is replayed there’s never a set pattern to follow. Planning does play a key role as it’s possible to trap the little kilt-wearers, but it’s also important to just go with the flow at times. Especially once various animals like sheep and bulls are introduced.

And yet, while the randomness of the resource droppers keeps things fresh it can also be an irritation. I’ve never been able to tell exactly where they’re going to wander off to (unless there’s only one open spot for them), and sometimes things can become a downright mess. Sometimes I’m able to work with it, but more often than not I end up resetting the level. The same goes for the livestock. While I enjoy the extra layer of difficulty they add, they tend to make a stage rather irritating as they wander around and block everything.

While some elements can be a little annoying, BraveSmart is still a vastly entertaining game. One that’s incredibly difficult to put down to boot.

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